Mike Tomlin reveals what Brian Flores has brought to the Steelers

After three seasons as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins, Brian Flores is now the senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach in Pittsburgh. With him back in the coaching ranks, the Steelers think he can make an impact for them defensively. Mike Tomlin has seen it early on in training camp too.

Tomlin discussed Flores’ impact since his addition this offseason during camp. He says Flores’ love for the game and skillset as a head coach has made him a valuable asset so far.

“He’s just a football lover. He’s a good communicator and he does the things that you value from a coach’s perspective in terms of challenging guys holding them accountable and leading this group,” said Tomlin.

Flores has over 14 years of coaching experience in the NFL. Before his time in Miami, he spent 11 seasons in New England on Bill Belichick’s staff. He then helped the Dolphins to back to back winning seasons for the first time since 2002 and 2003.

His time with the franchise ended badly, though. After he was fired, he filed a lawsuit against the Dolphins and two additional NFL teams that alleged discrimination in his firing and his following interviews. The NFL has since requested arbitration in the suit.

In the end, those team’s losses are Tomlin’s gain in the end with Flores. The Steelers hired him this offseason and Tomlin thinks the decision will pay dividends this year.

“He’s a hand in the power guy. It’s been a good, good addition,” said Tomlin.

The 2021 season was the first time Pittsburgh didn’t finish with a Top-10 defense in points or yards since 2015. Flores will have 2022 Defensive Player of the Year TJ Watt, Devin Bush and Myles Jack to work with at linebacker alone. With multiple playmakers on the Steelers defense, they’ll be at Mike Flores’ disposal starting Week One against Cincinnati.